Table of contents:
- Benefits
- What are betel nuts for?
- How does it work?
- Dose
- What is the usual dosage for betel nuts for adults?
- In what form is areca nut available?
- Side effects
- What are the side effects of betel nuts?
- Security
- What should I know before consuming betel nuts?
- How safe are areca nuts?
- Interaction
- What kinds of interactions might occur when I eat betel nuts?
Benefits
What are betel nuts for?
Areca is a type of coconut plant found in China, India, Southeast Asia, and tropical Africa. Chewing betel nuts was a popular activity in ancient times, and is still often practiced by people who live in rural areas today.
Betel nuts are usually used for various treatments by being eaten raw, dried, boiled, roasted, or roasted. Some of the benefits of areca seeds are:
- Overcoming colds
- Overcoming digestive problems
- Eliminates toxins in the body
- Eliminate phlegm
- Eliminates bad odors in the mouth
- Increase sexual arousal
- Stimulate appetite
In addition, the seeds of this plant can also be used for the treatment of schizophrenia (mental disorders) and glaucoma. Some people use this fruit as a relaxation medicine because of its stimulating effect on the central nervous system to increase alertness and stamina.
How does it work?
There is not enough research into how this herbal plant works. Discuss with your herbalist or doctor for more information.
However, there are some studies showing that areca nut affects chemicals in the brain and other parts of the central nervous system, causing:
- Psychiatric effects
- Parasympathetic nervous system effects
- Thyroid function effects
In addition, other research states that areca seeds contain proanthocyanidin, which is a condensed tannin that is included in the flavonoid class. Proanthocyanidin has antibacterial, antiviral, anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, allergy, and vasodilating effects.
Dose
The information provided below is not a substitute for medical recommendations. Always consult your herbalist or doctor before taking this medicine.
What is the usual dosage for betel nuts for adults?
Current clinical trials are not indicative of dosage. Limited clinical applications are available.
The dosage of herbal medicine can be different for each patient. The dose you will need depends on your age, health, and several other conditions. Herbal medicine is not always safe for consumption. Discuss with your herbalist or doctor for a dosage that is suitable for you.
In what form is areca nut available?
This herbal medicine can be available in the following forms and dosages:
- Leaf
- Nuts
- Areca juice
- Or in the form of a mixture of tobacco, powder, areca nut, and sliced lime wrapped in betel leaf
Side effects
What are the side effects of betel nuts?
- Facial flushing, fever, dizziness, seizures, acute psychosis, anxiety, insomnia and restlessness.
- Heart palpitations, fast heart rate (tachycardia), or low heart rate (bradycardia).
- Red stains on teeth, leukoplakia, oral sub-mucosal fibrosis, oral carcinogenesis (if chewed).
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, reddish stools, and stomach pain.
- Improvement of asthma symptoms.
Not everyone experiences these side effects. There may be other side effects which are not listed here. If you have concerns about certain side effects, please consult your herbalist or doctor.
Security
What should I know before consuming betel nuts?
- You should report to your doctor all medicines and herbs you use, especially: anti-glaucoma agents, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, cardiac glycosides, cholinergics, monoamineoxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), and neuroleptics.
- Chewing betel leaf with areca seeds for a period of time can lead to oral fibrosis and oral carcinoma.
- Since areca seeds have the same effect as tobacco or caffeine, you should avoid using alcohol before using areca products.
- Areca nuts can be consumed raw, chewed, or used as a mouthwash. However, there can be many dangerous side effects that are not yet known.
The regulations governing the use of herbal medicines are not as strict as the regulations for drugs. Further research is needed to determine its safety. Before using, make sure the benefits of using the obatherbal outweigh the risks. Consult an herbalist or doctor for more information.
How safe are areca nuts?
Do not use betel nut on children or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Areca nut and betel leaf have caused DNA damage and cancer in cells and in experimental animals. There is a relationship between the dose and duration of betel chewing and precancerous changes in the mouth and throat, larynx, and esophageal cancer.
Interaction
What kinds of interactions might occur when I eat betel nuts?
This herbal plant can interact with other medications or with any health conditions you have. Consult an herbalist or doctor before use.
- Areca nuts contain chemicals that can affect the brain and heart.
- Procyclidine can affect chemicals in the body. Areca nuts can also affect chemicals in the body. However, areca nut has the opposite effect of procyclidine. Using betel nut along with Procyclidine might decrease the effectiveness of Procyclidine.
- Areca nuts contain chemicals that affect the body. This chemical is similar to some drugs used for glaucoma, Alzheimer's disease, and other conditions.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
